Awka – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested three suspected illegal sand excavators at a quarry in Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra.
The state Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Godwin Omoreigie, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Tuesday.
Omoreigie said the arrest followed series of complaints of illegal mining by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and a licensed Company, Konaza Oil and Gas Ltd.
“The activities of illegal miners was becoming rampant in the state.
“We received complaints from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development that a staff was beaten up by some illegal miners along the riverside in Onitsha when he enquired into their activities.
“On March 9, we mobilised about 20 armed NSCDC officials to Nsugbe and Otuocha on Omambala/Anambra River in Anambra East Local Government Area where we arrested three suspected illegal miners.
“The arrest is to deter other unlicensed miners from excavating sands,’’ he said.
Omoreigie, who refused to release the names of the suspects, explained that investigations were still ongoing to arrest more culprits.
According to him, illegal mining and encroachment attract N20 million fine or eight years jail term if found culpable by the courts.
The commandant also disclosed that the organisation achieved a feat with the seizure of badge loaded with 100 barrels of crude oil on the Onitsha riverside in September, 2015.
“The vandals moving through the River Niger from the Delta axis were intercepted around Onitsha.
“They tried to resist by shooting but they fled and we succeeded in retrieving the badge loaded with 100 barrels of crude oil.
“The command later set ablaze the substance because we did not have the facility to protect or bring them to shore,’’ he said.
The commandant, therefore, urged the Federal Government to provide the command with speed boats, patrol vans while embarking on the training of officers to enable the agency carry out its duties effectively.
Omoreigie assured residents of the state that the command was working hard to ensure that filling stations with petroleum products did not engage in hoarding them. (NAN)
